Physical therapy is effectively diagnoses, manages, and treats orthopedic disorders. An orthopedic disorder affects the bone and surrounding soft tissue, and is usually accompanied by limited mobility, weakness, and pain. Orthopedics is a specially within the physical therapy field. 149 per 1,000 people – 14% of the population have been diagnosed with an orthopedic disorder. The most common orthopedic disorders are discussed below.
Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease, causes deterioration of cartilage tissues that support the weight bearing joints in the body (knees, hips, etc.) the reduced and thinned cartilage cases grinding of the bones against each other and chronic pain and stiffness. Physical therapy reduces the pain and stiffness by increasing muscle tone, which restores joint stability and increases the support for the joints in general.
Hip and Knee Disorders – Hip and knee disorders are caused by fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, ligament tears, and bone tumors. Hip and knee disorders cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort in the groin. Many patients favor the muscles associated with the pain and they atrophy as a result. Physical therapists work with the patient to strengthen the muscles, which will provide additional support to the injured hip.
No matter what your disorder you are suffering from, physical therapy will strengthen the muscles that will provide additional support to the affected area. After surgery, an orthopedic physical therapist is trained to strengthen the supporting muscle structure, which will ensure a quick and speedy recovery.